About this episode
In Episode 058 of the Athletor Podcast, we sit down with John Stutzman, the esteemed Head Coach at the University of Buffalo, to dive into the nuances of collegiate wrestling from the perspective of a smaller school. John shares his insights on the unique challenges and advantages of working within a smaller athletic program compared to larger universities, highlighting his approach to recruiting and the essential qualities he looks for in potential wrestlers. He opens up about evaluating work ethic in young athletes, a critical component in his recruiting process, even when direct observation isn't possible. John also offers a personal glimpse into his life, discussing his son's wrestling career and his deliberate choice not to coach his son directly. This leads to a broader conversation about how becoming a father has refined his coaching philosophy at Buffalo, especially in balancing overtraining with undertraining. Moreover, John proposes innovative ideas to enhance the excitement and engagement around dual meets, emphasizing the potential for growth in collegiate wrestling's popularity and competitiveness. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the dedication and strategy behind building a successful wrestling program, along with the personal growth that shapes a coach's approach to his team.